At a Glance
A high-performing zoned elementary with strong math scores but notable chronic absenteeism challenges
Families who prioritize academic performance, especially math, and value a safe school with strong parent-teacher relationships — and who are prepared to actively address attendance habits. Works well for families with cars who live within the zone.
- Math performance significantly outpaces the district (79% vs 54%)
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years
- Near-universal parent and teacher trust in leadership (96%)
- 100% teacher-reported safety
- Strong parent satisfaction (92%)
- Teacher-reported instruction quality (79%) falls below district average — a disconnect from strong test scores
- Chronic absenteeism is high at 70%, suggesting attendance culture may need attention
- Teacher instruction quality ratings are notably lower than parent trust ratings
- Academic performance has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic peaks in ELA
- Most families will need a car — transit access is limited
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 29
Among District 29 peer schools, P.S. 131 scores above average (though exact peer ratings weren't provided, its 2.88 overall score significantly exceeds the district average of 2.21). It outpaces nearby zoned schools but trails the district's top charter performers (Success Academy schools rate 91-95). The school is clearly among the stronger options in District 29 for families seeking strong academics within a zoned catchment.
This school delivers strong math results, with 79% proficiency compared to the district average of just 54% — a full 25 percentage points above peers. ELA at 65% is also solid against the 57% district average. However, the academic trajectory has been uneven: scores peaked in 2018 before dipping significantly during the pandemic (2022 saw both subjects below 60%) and have only partially recovered. Grade 4 stands out with an impressive 85% math proficiency, while Grade 3 shows the most room for growth at 62% ELA.
The survey data paints a picture of a school with exceptional trust and safety but some instructional concerns. Parents rate satisfaction at 92% with near-universal trust in teachers (96%) and the principal (96%). Teachers report 100% safety and 98% collegial trust — these are outstanding numbers. However, teacher-reported instruction quality sits at 79%, below both the district average (88%) and what parents perceive. Attendance is a real challenge: while the daily attendance rate (91.6%) is slightly above district average, chronic absenteeism is a striking 70%, meaning roughly seven in ten students miss significant school time. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years.
With 75% Asian students, P.S. 131 is one of the more demographically homogeneous schools in the area, though the diversity index of 50% reflects some within-group variation. The economic need index of 69 indicates significant student poverty — higher than many nearby suburban-style neighborhoods might suggest. At 658 students across grades K-5 plus pre-K and special education, the school serves a mid-sized population. PTA fundraising at $43 per student is slightly above the district average.
Jamaica Hills-Briarwood is a residential neighborhood in central Queens characterized by tree-lined streets, a mix of single-family homes and low-rise apartments, and a community that skews older and more stable. The area has moderate safety scores (47th percentile) and relatively low transit access (28th percentile), meaning most families drive or walk. The neighborhood's 44% college-educated population and $612K median home value suggest a working- to middle-class community with aspirations for upward mobility.
This is a car-dependent neighborhood — families without vehicles should consider the commute carefully, as transit options are limited.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 589 families responded (79% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 131 Abigail Adams a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 131 Abigail Adams earns an overall quality score of 72/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 29 average.
- What grades does P.S. 131 Abigail Adams serve?
- P.S. 131 Abigail Adams serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 131 Abigail Adams?
- P.S. 131 Abigail Adams admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 131 Abigail Adams public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 131 Abigail Adams is a public school in NYC Community School District 29.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 131 Abigail Adams in?
- P.S. 131 Abigail Adams is in Jamaica Hills-Briarwood, Queens.
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